Do you have the time and space to help a homeless pet? We need you!!

The Wake County Animal Center needs animal foster families to temporarily care for animals until they are ready for adoption. Foster parents help prepare animals for adoption by providing individualized care and socialization for the most needy shelter animals.
FOSTER PARENTS are the Wake County Animal Center's biggest need! The Wake County Animal Center will provide the same care for animals in foster as they do for the animals in the Animal Center. This is a rewarding way to help homeless pets, as all fosters are helping the one that they take into their home – and the one that now has a spot in the Animal Center.
Thank you for wanting to be a foster for WCAC! We are always in need of fosters for bully breeds and pets that need to be the only pet in the home, in addition to kittens, injured/sick animals and those in need of other minor assistance. The application is available in the FAQ section. Please check out the FAQ (Where can I learn more about the Foster Program, below) to answer most questions you may have about fostering. If you still have questions after checking out the FAQ, feel free to reach out to the Coordinators at wcac.foster@wake.gov. Please note, once your application is received and screened, you may be offered an invitation to attend orientation, where you’ll receive more in depth information on becoming a foster parent. This is your opportunity to decide if this is what you’d like to do. We have a wonderful and supportive family of existing fosters that will welcome you into the fold!
What animals are most in need of a Foster?
Our biggest areas of need for fosters include:
- Kittens! Note that kittens cannot be made available for adoption until they are at least 2 lbs. and 8 weeks of age.
- Large Dogs / Pit Bull-Type Dogs
Animals are also sent to foster for the following reasons:
- Underweight
- In need of minor behavioral modification and/or socialization
- Recovering from treatable illness
We also need fosters for little critters such as hamsters, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets.
What are the requirements to become a foster?
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Have proof of medical, auto and homeowner's or renter's insurance
- If renting, provide proof of permission from your landlord that you can have pets in your home
- Be able to isolate the foster from the family’s pet(s) for an initial 10-14 day period depending on the type of foster pet.
- Live and house foster pets within Wake County (or be willing to drive the pets to and from the Animal Center if you live outside of Wake County)
- Current pets must be up to date on vaccinations and spayed or neutered.
Where can I learn more about the Foster Program?
To learn more about the Wake County Animal Center Foster Program, please check out our Foster Program Frequently Asked Questions page!
Does this program offer fostering for privately owned animals?
Only animals that are in the care of the Wake County Animal Center are eligible for the Foster Program. We DO NOT offer foster care for animals of private citizens.